The Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions has rejected Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s petition accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment and abuse of office, declaring it “dead on arrival.”
The decision, announced on Wednesday, cited procedural irregularities and legal constraints. Senator Neda Imasuen, Chairman of the Committee, explained that under Order 40 of the Senate Standing Orders, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s self-signed petition violated procedural requirements, as it should have been endorsed by another party.
Additionally, Imasuen noted that the issues raised in the petition are already sub judice, being under court consideration, which places them outside the Senate’s jurisdiction.
Senate President Akpabio has denied the allegations made by Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District. The dispute began on February 20, 2025, when Akpoti-Uduaghan rejected her assigned seat in the Senate chamber, alleging harassment by Akpabio and filing a N100 billion defamation lawsuit against him.
The controversy follows an earlier incident in July 2024, when Akpabio publicly apologized to Akpoti-Uduaghan for a nightclub-related comment directed at her.
The case remains a subject of legal and public scrutiny as tensions persist between the two lawmakers.
Natasha Shuns Senate Committee
On Wednesday, March 5, 2025, Akpoti-Uduaghan was absent when the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct commenced its probe into her alleged refusal to comply with Senate rules.
After waiting for an hour, Committee Chairman, Senator Neda Imaseun, expressed disappointment over her absence. “We waited, and unfortunately, she is not here. I hope that before we conclude this procedure, she will join us,” the lawmaker said.
He asserted that the committee was acting within its mandate, explaining that “every petition is referred to us by the entire Senate, and the committee has the authority to deliberate on such matters. In this case, the issue was brought before us on February 25 by Senate Spokesperson, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, nothing more, nothing less.”
Despite her absence, Senator Imaseun reiterated his hope that the Kogi senator would present herself before the committee before the conclusion of proceedings. The chairman his colleague was properly notified of the meeting.